The Effect of Dexamethasone on the incidence of laryngospasm in pediatric patients after Tonsillectomy

Background and Aims: Laryngospasm and vomiting occurring after tracheal extubation in children is potentially dangerous. The aim of this study was to investigate the effects of preoperative 0.5 mg/kg i.v. Dexamethasone on the incidence of postextubation laryngospasm, and vomiting in children after tonsillectomy. Material and Methods : This study was performed at the Ilam Imam Khomeini hospital, IR, during the year 2009. In a randomized, double-blind trial, 66 pediatric patients 4-12 years (Dexamethasone group, n=33- placebo group , n=33) undergoing tonsillectomy received IV placebo (saline) or Dexamethasone , 0.5mg/kg IV after the induction of anesthesia before surgery. The incidence of postextubation laryngospasm and vomiting was recorded by the an investigator. All collected data were analyzed with using the statistical software (SPSS, Ver.16). Results : Mean age in Dexamethasone group 6.4±2.2, placebo group 6.1±2.8. Mean weight in Dexamethasone group 19.2±5.3, placebo group 20.3± 6.8 (p>0.05). Mean duration of anesthesia in Dexamethasone group 57.4 ±7.4 min, placebo group 55.6±4.6min. Mean duration of surgery in Dexamethasone group 40.7±6.7min , placebo group 42.3 ±8.4min (p>0.05). The incidence of postextubation laryngospasm in Dexamethasone group (6%) was lower than that in the placebo group (30%) (p